BON JOVI Drummer Tico Torres Undergoes Emergency Appendectomy

BON JOVI frontman Jon Bon Jovi has checked in with the following update:

“Greetings from Mexico City.

Last night Tico Torres underwent an emergency appendectomy. Thankfully, the operation was a success and Tico is now recovering in the care of his doctors at the American British Cowdray Hospital. We’d like to thank the doctors, nurses and all the hospital staff who helped our friend through this difficult time.

We’ll remain here with Tico in Mexico City and will see him through his release. David and I spent the day with him at the hospital and Tico sends his thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers. He wants everyone to know that it was his desire to perform. He even promised the doctors he would come back for the surgery right after the show but the doctors prevailed.

We know many of you make great efforts and travel from around the world to see us on tour. It remains our desire to give you the best that we have every night. We are sorry for any inconvenience this sudden change of plans may have caused. We’ll re-schedule any dates that we can and will continue the tour through December. Check BonJovi.com for tour updates.

On behalf of the band, I’d like to thank all of you who support us throughout these challenges.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bon Jovi has reportedly fired lead guitarist Richie Sambora from the band’s current tour.

According to the website RumorFix.com, Sambora’s departure is all about money. Sources say that Sambora was raking in $2 million a month and 20 percent of the profits from the tour, whereas fill-in guitarist Philip “Phil X” Xenidis was earning far less – about $10,000 a month – on the trek.

Although Sambora will still collect songwriting royalties and profits from merchandise, the 30-year bandmember is not taking the news well.

“Richie wants to go back onstage – that’s his first love,” a source tells the site. “He’s really upset over the news.”

The 54-year-old musician departed the group in the spring citing a “personal matter,” but has since remained mum on the subject.